After a disappointingly mooseless day at Lake Maligne we came across a herd of elk, grazing at the edge of Jasper, watched by both tourists and locals. I had barely pulled up before @shepherdmanswife was out of the car, camera and tripod in hand, and she soon filled her camera card. I lent her mine, and so no photos of what happened next.
A local lady advised that the bull was getting agitated, retreating to the back of her SUV as the bull raised his head and brayed. @shepherdmanswife just kept shooting from behind the SUV, despite my suggestion, from the other side of the road, that an ordered retreat was appropriate. The bull spotted @shepherdmanswife and started running towards the SUV, but she merely nipped behind the truck and started shooting from the other end. The bull trotted in her direction, and so she promptly ran back to her initial position, still shooting. Once again the bull turned towards her, but fortunately changed his mind and trotted off towards his harem of cows instead. No doubt he had more control over his women than I had over mine.
I had watched these antics with some concern (I didn’t know where the insurance documents were…) and was relieved when @shepherdmanswife finally joined me. There was still the potential that the bull could charge vehicles in the area, which was worrying. Our hire car deposit was secured using my credit card.
Great story, and as scary as it sounds, and probably was, I would have been right up there alongside Chantal braving the bull in order to get the shot, insurance documents and deposits be damned!! Now, if the bull had Chantal in those horns I hope you would have had the readiness of mind to grab the camera out of her hands so that you could at least photograph that! Lol....
@fugitivemoments I do enjoy writing....sometimes I write too much. We sometimes try to think of a project that would combine @shepherdmanswife's photographic aptitude, and my enthusiasm for words. The bull was just starting to get beligerent when I took this shot before lending my camera card. Thank you for your comment.
Wonderful story and stunning photograph. Fav
If your Canadian stories and pictures are anything to go by I suggest you pack up and go travelling for your project!!!!
@shepherdman Well, why not combine them. I have tried that with my study of "My Place' at www.ordinaryvagabond.blogspot.com
I would love your comments on it - if you feel so inclined ;-)
Absolutely love your story! Had me reading it aloud and giggling while I read - absolutely wonderful shot. Do wonder if anyone in the group thought it might be more interesting to video what was happening rather than shoot the moose! If they had it would be a sure winner on "America's Funniest Home Videos". Glad all turned out well. Fav
OH my gosh, what a look you captured on his face.. It is great and I bet Sherpardmanswife was out of the car with her camera before it even came to a full stop. FAV
My daughter worked at Jasper Park Lodge and lived in the employee building. She had to start work at 4 am so many mornings she had to evade the elk as she walked over to the main lodge. They can be quite frightening. This is a great photo showing him from this perspective, I have to fav it and show my daughter!
If your Canadian stories and pictures are anything to go by I suggest you pack up and go travelling for your project!!!!
I would love your comments on it - if you feel so inclined ;-)
Glad everything worked out.
FAV